1 Thessalonians 2 Bible Class

1 ThessaloniansChapter 2

The Coming of the Message (vs. 1-2)

• “Vain” – literally, “empty hands/vessels”

• Had come in power – cf. 1:5• Philippi – Acts 16• Boldness – hallmark of Paul’s teaching

– boldness here means confidence.• No place for faint hearted and

compromisers in the kingdom – 2 Tim. 4

• Q: How can we be bold?

The Nature of the Message – (vs. 3-4)

• Remember his preaching, Acts 17:2-3

• Exhortation – to call to one’s side.

• Not from error – it was truthful.• Not from uncleanness – it was

holy• It was not to please men – cf. 2

Tim. 4• Galatians 1:10-12

The Delivery of the Message (vs. 5-9)

• Didn’t speak flattery – Psalm 12:2-3• Not a cloak for covetousness – not as

a means of gain – 1 Tim. 6:3-5• Not for glory from men.• Vs. 7-8, Imagine having spent time

with Paul. (cf. 1 Cor. 4:14, ff)• Paul sought to not be a burden –

likened to a Father working “night and day” to support a growing family – cf. Acts 18:3

Q&A’s

• What does it mean to be bold for the cause of Christ? What does it cost?

• What should the nature of the message we deliver (the Gospel) be?

• What are some examples from today’s time of how NOT to deliver the message of the Gospel?

• What can we learn from the way that Paul delivered the Gospel? (cf. vs. 7-8)

The Behavior of the Messenger (vs. 10-12)

• They were “practitioners of their preaching” – justly/blameslessly…

• They were “personal in their preaching” – every one of you…

• They were “purposeful in their preaching” – that you would walk…

The Mentality of the Receivers (vs. 13-16)

• Thessalonica becomes an example of what it means to “receive” the Word of God:– They “welcomed” it with an open mind.

(cf. Acts 17:11).– They “walked in it” – despite the

consequences it brought – (Jn. 15:17-20)

• “Fill up the measure of their sins” – cf. Genesis 15:16; Lev. 18:24-28; Matt. 23:29ff.

Paul’s Inability to Return (vs. 17-20)

• Paul wanted to come back to Thessalonica, but was unable to.

• “Hindered by Satan” – 2 Cor. 12:7– Satan exerts power/influence on the world –

uses temptation – cf. 1 Thess. 3:5; 2 Cor. 2:11, 11:14-15; 2 Tim. 2:26

– The solution is the same today as then – 1 Cor. 10:13; James 4:7

• Despite his plans being disrupted, Paul knew where he would ultimately see them again.

Q&A’s

• How can we be effective in personal evangelism? (cf. 3 P’s)

• What does it really mean to “receive the Word of God”?

• Can we be hindered by Satan?• Despite how events may turn out

in our lives, what is our ultimate hope/rejoicing/goal?